Rebuilding morale of bruised England a tough job, admits Lancaster

Current boss Stuart Lancaster is under heavy pressure due to his side’s failings in their home World Cup but Ford has already distanced himself from the position.

Having failed to reach the quarterfinals, the first host side to ever do so, England wanted to leave its fans with something to cheer about, and left winger Jack Nowell showed his finishing skills with a well-taken hat trick of tries.

During these periods, they must remain in the designated coaches’ box area and/or the seating area reserved for non-playing team members.

It’s certainly been a tough week to endure if you are a passionate England supporter like me following the humiliating defeat by Australia on Saturday on top of the previous week’s reverse to Wales. Saying that, I would have preferred George Ford to have started at fly-half because he is more of an attacking player.

England must close a World Cup that began amid such high expectations with an inglorious fixture against the weakest team in the competition, but Lancaster believes perspective is require during the longest week in Red Rose history.

Data from Viagogo. Face value in brackets.

The unfortunate Stuart Lancaster reacted with surprise when told of Mallet’s claim, telling reporters, “I didn’t know that…” Wales beat us, and so did Australia – but we were billed as favourites.

“Sam wasn’t picked because I want to have a look at this combination for this game”, Lancaster said.

The last time England and Uruguay met was in the World Cup 12 years ago when England beat the South Americans 111-13 on their way to capturing the trophy.

“For most of the people on our team this is our first World Cup, but now we’ve essentially got a playoff game”.

“Forty-odd games he’s played at seven for England and he’s got man of the match, I think, in double figures”, said Lancaster. Asked if he would be happy for the review to be published, he said: “I wouldn’t have a problem with any of it. It would be good if the review was allowed to be done properly, privately, professionally and speedily, then whatever happens, happens”, he added.

“He’s straight up, he’s honest, and I think the Australians respect and appreciate that approach the way that he coaches. The banter’s pretty brutal and I think that will be quite a good antidote for them”. I guess that’s the nature of the situation we are in.

And such was the quality of Australia’s performance that their odds will undoubtedly shorten with regards to them being crowned world champions.